UAE Back-to-School Checklist: Vaccines Parents Should Review Now

As families prepare for a new school year in the UAE, health authorities advise reviewing each child’s vaccination record and updating any missed doses in line with the national immunisation programme and local emirate requirements.

The exact vaccines due depend on the child’s age, grade, previous doses, health conditions and emirate. Parents should therefore treat the following as a record-checking guide—not a prescription—and confirm the schedule with the school clinic or an authorised healthcare provider.

Vaccines to check on the record

MMR: Confirm two documented doses against measles, mumps and rubella. Catch-up vaccination may be offered when doses are missing.

Polio: Check that the age-appropriate primary series and school-entry booster requirements have been completed.

Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis: Children receive combination vaccines and later boosters at specified ages or grades; the product used changes with age.

Varicella: Two documented chickenpox vaccine doses are generally expected unless a clinician confirms another acceptable basis for immunity.

Meningococcal ACWY: This is included for older school students, and Abu Dhabi has announced an additional Grade 5 dose from the 2026–2027 academic year, alongside doses at 12 months and Grade 11.

HPV: The vaccine is delivered through school-age programmes for eligible students. Availability, eligible groups and dose numbers should be confirmed locally.

Seasonal influenza: An annual flu vaccine may be recommended, particularly for children at higher risk of complications; timing and eligibility should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Before the first day

Locate the vaccination card or download the available digital record; compare it with school requirements; submit consent forms on time; tell the school clinic about allergies, previous serious reactions or medical conditions; and book catch-up doses early if advised.

Parents should not restart a vaccine series simply because a dose was delayed. A clinician can assess the existing record and plan an appropriate catch-up schedule. Children who are unwell, immunocompromised or have a history of serious vaccine reactions need individual medical advice.